Ancient Art from Cyprus and the Mediterranean, opening in the summer of 2025, is the latest phase of The Ringling’s multi-year project to reinstall all 21 permanent collection galleries of the Museum of Art. This new installation in Gallery 12 highlights art from the island of Cyprus with a selection of 201 works from The Ringling’s permanent collection of ancient Mediterranean art—nearly all of which was purchased by John Ringling at auctions in 1928—including sculptures in limestone and terracotta as well as ceramic vessels, glass, and gold and silver jewelry.

Grave stele of a reclining man
Cyprus, early Classical Period (second half of the 5th century BCE)
Said to be "from a necropolis" at Salamis, Cyprus
Limestone with red paint
Collection of Luigi Palma di Cesnola; purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1874-1876; Anderson Galleries sale, purchased by John Ringling, 1928; bequest of John Ringling, 1936. SN28.1910